In the wake of the global pandemic, the Philippine government recognized the indispensable role of frontliners through various financial incentives. Among the most significant is the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA), formerly known as One COVID-19 Allowance (OCA). For Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), who served as the first line of defense in local communities, understanding the legal framework of this eligibility is crucial for ensuring just compensation.
I. Legal Framework: Republic Act No. 11712
The primary legal basis for the HEA is Republic Act No. 11712, also known as the "Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act." Enacted in April 2022, this law mandates the continued provision of benefits to all public and private health care workers (HCWs) and non-health care workers (non-HCWs) regardless of their employment status, provided they were deployed in health facilities or community settings during the State of Public Health Emergency.
Key Provision: The law explicitly includes "barangay health workers" within its scope, recognizing them as essential personnel who provided critical services such as contact tracing, monitoring of cases, and assistance in vaccination hubs.
II. Criteria for Eligibility
To qualify for the HEA, a Barangay Health Worker must meet the following general requirements:
- Active Service: The BHW must have been officially deployed and active during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Accreditation: While the law is inclusive, BHWs generally need to be registered or accredited by their respective Local Government Units (LGUs) in accordance with RA 7883 (Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act).
- Physical Presence: The allowance is based on "actual physical report to work." BHWs working remotely or under quarantine themselves are generally not credited for those specific days unless otherwise clarified by supplemental Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.
III. The Risk Classification System
The amount of HEA received by a BHW is not uniform; it is determined by the Risk Exposure Classification of their specific assignment. Per DOH Administrative Orders, the rates are categorized as follows:
| Risk Level | Assignment Setting | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | Administrative areas or communities with minimal contact. | ₱3,000 |
| Medium Risk | General hospital wards or public areas with frequent interaction. | ₱6,000 |
| High Risk | COVID-19 wards, isolation facilities, or high-density testing areas. | ₱9,000 |
Note: Most BHWs fall under the Medium to High Risk categories due to their direct involvement in community-level monitoring and "house-to-house" health interventions.
IV. Retroactivity and Computation
The HEA is retroactive, covering the period starting from July 1, 2021. It replaced the previous Special Risk Allowance (SRA) and Active Hazard Duty Pay (AHDP) to create a more streamlined and equitable distribution system.
The computation is pro-rated. If a BHW did not complete a full month of service, the allowance is calculated based on the number of days they actually reported for duty.
V. Documentary Requirements
For BHWs to be included in the DOH payroll or for LGUs to receive the sub-allotted funds, the following documents are typically required:
- Masterlist of Eligible Workers: Prepared by the Barangay and verified by the Municipal/City Health Office.
- Daily Time Record (DTR) or Certificate of Service: To prove actual physical reporting.
- Memorandum of Agreement (MOA): Between the DOH and the LGU for the transfer of funds.
VI. Current Challenges and Legal Obligations
Despite the clear mandate of RA 11712, many BHWs have faced delays in payment. The DOH has frequently cited the following hurdles:
- Budgetary Constraints: Allocation depends on the release of funds from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
- LGU Liquidation: Funds cannot be downloaded to LGUs that have not yet liquidated previous tranches of health allowances.
- Data Discrepancies: Issues in the Health Emergency Allowance Management System (HEAMS) regarding the names and classification of BHWs.
Under the law, the "non-granting of these benefits shall be a ground for administrative disciplinary action." This provides BHWs with a legal avenue to petition their local health boards or the DOH if they are omitted from the lists despite meeting all eligibility criteria.